Councilman Bob Joe Honored for Service to the Community

The 9th annual Pasadena Child Development Associates Harvest Moon Gala was held at the residence of Therese and Mario Molina in South Pasadena last Sunday evening. A reception featuring live music, a silent auction, drinks and appetizers was held at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner catered by Chef Claud Beltran of Claud & Co. in Pasadena.

South Pasadena City Councilman Robert Joe was honored with the PCDA Community Service Award during the dinner program, while Citrus College freshman Ethan Uy was honored with the PCDA Achievement Award. The highlight of the evening was a performance of “You’ll be in my Heart” by the PCDA Children’s Choir. Joe recognized many in the audience for their contributions to the City and their commitment to public service, and spoke in detail about the influence Nancy Kwok, Sergeant Robledo, Liliana Torres and the athletes he witnessed compete in the 2015 World Special Olympics had on his own journey as a public servant. “Each one of them saw a need, stepped up, and served,” said Joe. “I would like to thank them for their service and the example that they have set for me and others. Their willingness to serve from their hearts will continue to challenge me to show compassion for others and restore hope.”

The councilman concluded with this: “If I can leave you with one thought: there are no borders or boundaries when people need help, so do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, for all the people you can, while you can.”

Now in its 20th year, PCDA is an organization that provides service to children with autism and other developmental challenges. Money raised from the tickets sold, which were $175 each, went to funding new, innovative therapies and programs to meet the needs of children affected.

Harry Yadav has served as the Editor of the South Pasadena Review since January of 2018. Born and raised in South Pasadena, Harry graduated from South Pasadena High School in 2012, where he played golf and basketball and wrote for the Tiger newspaper. In 2016, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.